The World´s largest wine region is Castilla-La Mancha, immense plateau called Meseta Central, the hearth of Spain and excellent location for wine-making.

With more than 473.000 ha of vineyards it takes almost 50% of wine areas cultivated in Spain. At the same moment it covers 12% of European´s vineyards or 8% the viticulture area of the World.

Most of the vineyards lies between 700 – 900 m.a.s. although many areas are higher as a consequence of mountainous landscape.

In generally the average rainfall index is around 400 liter per year or even less, average temperature was 14,6°C (2023) and the vegetation period oscillate between 230-255 days regarding the area.

Dry Farming: 62%

Irrigated Farming: 38%

Eco Cultivation: 62.270 ha (43% in Spain)

D.O. La Mancha

One of the biggest P.D.O. around Castilla-La Mancha with 190.977 ha of vineyards located in different provinces: Toledo, Cuenca, Ciudad Real and Albacete. First traces of wine making goes back to 12th century but D.O. was established in 1932.

The vineyards lies between 600-800 m.a.s. having over 3000 hours of sunshine and between 300-400 liters of rain per a year.

Climate is fully continental with long hot and dry summer enriched by humid winds while cold winter brings temperature below zero and snowy days. Prevail flat terrain, soil vary from place to place but mostly is reddish sandy clay soil, rich in lime and chalk elements.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Airén, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Macabeo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Perellado, Pedro Ximénez, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontés, Verdejo, Viognier, Moscatel de Alejandría.

RED: Bobal, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cencibel/Tempranillo, Garnacha, Garnacha Tintorera, Graciano, Malbec, Mencía, Merlot, Monastrell, Moravia Dulce/Crudijera, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Bodegas Ayuso – Villarrobledo (Albacete Province)

Bodegas Campos Reales – El Provencio (Cuenca Province)

Bodegas del Muni – Villatobas (Toledo Province)

D.O. Almansa

Established in 1966 this P.D.O. located in Province of Albacete is well known for its spectacular results on Garnacha Tintorera grape variety which is covering almost 60% of production. Starting cultivation back to 16th century today with any 9.800 ha D.O. Almansa is the most eastern one of Castilla-La Mancha bordering Valencia.

The area separates central plateau from Levant with elevated altitude between 700 and 1.100 m.a.s. Average rainfall index is 250 mm per year.

The climate is Continental – cold and dry winter with very hot summer and temperature over 40°C. All this is causing special character of wines. The soil poor in organics matters is mostly limestone one with gravel particles.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Macabeo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo.

RED: Garnacha Tintorera, Monastrell, Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, Garnacha, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Bodegas Atalaya – Almansa (Albacete Province)

Bodegas Cano – Higueruela (Albacete Province)

D.O. Valdepeñas

Occupying south of plateau of La Mancha, the P.D.O. in Province of Ciudad Real was established in 1932. The viticulture in the area is going back to 5th century BC according to scientific investigations in location called “Cerro de las Cabezas”. The area of cultivation is around 22.000 ha of which 95% is under P.D.O.

Slightly undulated terrain has an average altitude of 705 m.a.s. Rainfall index is 200-400 liters per year divided between spring and autumn. Over 2500 hours of sun.

Dry continental climate with cold winters and hot summer days classified as semi-arid. Poor organic soil is low fertile having higher lime content and gravelly upper layer.

Authorized Grape Variety

WHITE: Airén, Macabeo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo.

RED: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Felix Solís – Valdepeñas (Province of Ciudad Real)

Bodegas Fernando Castro – Santa Cruz de Mudela (Province of Ciudad Real)

D.O. Manchuela

P.D.O. Manchuela, occupying east-north part of Castilla-La Mancha, covers provinces of Cuenca and Albacete. Established in 2004 now has any 12.478 ha of vineyards located between rivers Júcar and Cabriel, both creating special climate different from other wine regions around.

Altitude of this hilly area goes from 600 to 1100 m.a.s. with precipitation of 460 mm per year. Average annual sunshine is around 2800 hours.

The climate is continental with impact of humid winds from Levant. Hot dry summer and cold winters but rarely with temperature below zero degrees or frosty days. The lime soil has a calcareous layer.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Macabeo (74% of all Whites), Albillo Real, Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca, Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pardillo, Moscatel Grano Menudo, Turdana, Moscatel de Alejandría.

RED: Bobal (41% of all Reds), Cencibel/Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, Monastrell, Moravia Dulce, Shiraz, Garnacha Tintorera, Malbec, Mazuelo, Graciano/Carinena, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Rojal.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Bodegas Andrés Iniesta – Fuentealbilla (Province of Albacete)

La Cepa de Pelayo – Acalá de Júcar (Province of Albacete)

D.O. Uclés

A smaller P.D.O. Uclés is lies in the northern part of Castilla-La Mancha around provinces Toledo and Cuenca. Established in 2006 occupies 1.700 ha of vineyards naturally divided by range of mountains Sierra de Altomira.

The altitude on the western part is 500-800 m.a.s. while behind the mountainous range, in the east can reach 1.200 m.a.s. Average rainfall index is 500 mm per year.

P.D.O. Uclés has a continental climate, hot summer and dry cold winter even more modified by altitude of every single area of production. The soil may vary, in generally is a sandy layer, low fertile but with higher potassium content.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Verdejo, Chardonnay, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, Airén.

RED: Cencibel/Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Garnacha.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Finca La Estacada – Tarancon (province of Cuenca)

Bodegas Fontana – Fuente de Pedro Naharro (Province of Cuenca)

D.O. Mondéjar

This tiny P.D.O. located in Province of Guadalajara, the north of Castilla-La Mancha upgraded from VdlT (Vino de la Tierra/Vin de pays) in 1997. Actually there is around 2100 ha of vineyards.

The average altitude is 800 m.a.s. Annual precipitation is higher – 500 liters with any 2900 hours of sunshine.

Surprisingly being fully located in central plateau the climate is Mediterranean hugely influenced by common eastern winds. Despite this the temperature has a sharp differences between summer and winter (40°C/-8°C). Occasionally the morning frost survive til April. The undulated terrain has a mild slopes and reddish upper soil covering clay under layer.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Malvar, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontés, Airén, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Verdejo.

RED: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Garnacha.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Bodegas Mariscal – Mondéjar (province of Guadalajara)

D.O. Méntrida

Older P.D.O. fully located in Province of Toledo was established already in 1976. Historically after Reconquest when the area was resettled in 12th century, they had started wine-making. Now the Garnacha grape variety is the most planted one around the 13.400 ha of vineyards.

Lying between city of Toledo and mountains Sierra de Gredos the altitude goes from 400 m.a.s. to 750 m.a.s. with annual precipitation of 300 mm and over 3000 hours of sunshine.

Typical continental climate brings hot dry summer and long colder winter as the area is protected by mountains. The sandy soil is poor in organic matters and has a limestone layer.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Albillo Real, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Verdejo, Garnacha Blanca, Moscatel de Grano Menudo.

RED: Garnacha, Garnacha Tintorera, Garnacha Peluda, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moravia Agria, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Graciano.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Bodegas Canopy – Camarena (Province of Toledo)

D.O. Ribera del Júcar

The P.D.O. Ribera del Júcar located in Province of Cuenca was established in 2003. Occupying banks of river Júcar , the P.D.O. has any 9.140 ha of vineyards.

Average altitude of vineyards is 750 m.a.s, annual rainfall index between 450 and 550 liters well distributed during the whole year except July-September as there is no rain.

The climate is mild Mediterranean with moderate temperature during the whole year (24°C/5°C). Together with mentioned rain it cause perfect micro-climate giving special character to wines. Stony upper soil layer is covering mostly clay soil with good drainage.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Airén, Sauvignon Blanc, Macabeo, Verdejo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Pardillo, Chardonnay.

RED: Bobal (Main Grape), Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Garnacha, Garnacha Tintorera, Monastrell.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Bodegas Illana – Pozo Amargo (Province of Cuenca)

D.O. Rosalejo

A brand new P.D.O. recognized in 2024 is located at the bottom of mountains Sierra de la Jara between Toledo and Ciudad Real. At the moment the area of vineyards is 1.330 ha.

The altitude of this slightly undulated landscape is 650 m.a.s. with average rainfall index 650 mm per year.

Mild climate during the whole year is occasionally influenced by Atlantic and even higher impact has artificial lake Cíjara. The antique landscape has a stony sandy soil with high acidity causing extremely low pH of final product.

Authorized Grape Varieties

RED: Garnacha, Shiraz, Tempranillo.

Official Quality Label

None at the moment.

Recommended Wineries

Bodegas Eldoze – Anchuras (Province of Ciudad Real)

D.O. Campo de Calatrava

Another brand new P.D.O. established in 2024 is located in south-east corner of Iberian Massif in the Province of Ciudad Real. Occupying 13.583 ha, the main difference to get separated from other areas is volcanic soil.

The altitude oscillate between 630 and 900 m.a.s., obtaining any 400 liters of rain during the year.

This hilly landscape has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winter with occasional frosty days. The soil of volcanic origin is enriched with clayish parts and has significant nickel content.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Airén, Macabeo, Chardonnay, Verdejo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Moscatel de Alejandría, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Albarino.

RED: Bobal, Tempranillo, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Graciano, Garnacha Tintorera, Malbec.

Official Quality Label

None at the moment.

Recommended Wineries

Quinta de Aves – Moral de Calatrava (Province of Ciudad Real)

D.O. Jumilla

P.D.O. Jumilla, one of the oldest wine regions with more than 2500 years of viticulture, is a region between Castilla-La Mancha and Murcia. 60% lies in Castilla while the capital of this wine region and 40% of surface is in Murcia. Established in 1.966 the P.D.O. has 22.700 ha of vineyards and can be proudly called the home of Monastrell grape variety.

This hilly landscape shows huge differences of altitude since 320 m.a.s. up to 900 m.a.s. In generally it´s dry area with any 300 mm of rain irregularly distributed during the year and over 3000 hours of sunshine.

The climate, although being close to Mediterranean shows aspects of continental weather as the region is transition between central plateau and Levant. The temperature has a sharp differences between summer and winter (40°C/-10°C). The red-brown soil has a gravel layer, a bit sandy with lime particles and very poor in organics matters.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Airén, Macabeo, Pedro Ximénez, Malvacía, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Merseguera, Viognier.

RED: Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, Cencibel/Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot.

Official Quality Label

Recommended Wineries

Juan Gil Family Estates – Jumilla (Murcia)

Bodegas Luzón – Jumilla (Murcia)

V.P. Pago Calzadilla

Tiny Estate Winery Pago Calzadilla can be found in the Province of Cuenca in the valley along the river Río Mayor, which is creating special micro-climate.

In total 22 ha of vineyards are lies between 900-1000 m.a.s. mostly at the bottom of hill called Cerro la Pájara with slopes up to 40%. This hill together with often foggy days protects vineyards from spring frosts. Another suave aspect is often wind.

The poor soil together with mentioned climate brings exceptional character to wines. Extra bonus of this winery is the terroir which was never used for another agricultural system or cultivation lacking any chemical impact on terroir common these days.

Authorized Grape Varieties

RED: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah.

Official Quality Label

Location: Huete (Province of Cuenca), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Campo de la Guardia

La Guardia lies in Province of Toledo and was established in 2009 as Vino de Pago – Estate Winery due to its exceptional conditions and terroir highly suitable for wine making. This area of 81 ha has a unique winery Bodegas Martúe producing wines in two farms: Finca Campo Martuela and Finca el Casar.

The landscape of this Estate is almost flat, lies on 700 m.a.s. of altitude and the annual rainfall index is around 400 mm. The area counts with 2650 hours of sunshine during the year.

The continental climate causes typical extreme temperature differences with hot dry summer days an cold dry days in the winter. The soil is poor in nutrients with light gravel particles over sandy clay layer.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Chardonnay (not under V.P.)

RED: tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Shiraz.

Official Quality Label

Location: La Guardia (Province of Toledo), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Dominio de Valdepusa

Dominio de Valdepusa was established in 2002 as the 1st Estate Winery in Spain but historically can be traced back in 12th century. The area located within Province of Toledo is covering 49 ha of vineyards.

Slightly undulated landscape lies on 400 m.a.s., the typical altitude of central plateau. Average rainfall index is 450 liters per a year, while the area gets 2800 hours of sun.

The typical continental climate brings hot summer and cold winter and even sharp differences between day-night in the summer. The upper soil layer is clay of any 30-50 cm covering limestone layer over 5 meters. This excellent structure with ideal porosity facilitate water distribution through the ground.

Authorized Grape Variety

RED: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Graciano, Merlot.

Official Quality Label

Location: Malpica de Tajo (Province of Toledo), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Dehesa del Carrizal

This Estate Winery, located in mountains Montes de Toledo in Province of Ciudad Real was established in 2006. The 28 ha of vineyards at the bottom of mountains is crossed by the river Arroyo Carrizal – important factor causing special micro-climate of this area.

Vineyards lies on the altitude between 800 – 900 m.a.s, surrounded by the mountains with any 700 mm of precipitation per year.

The mild Mediterranean climate with slight Atlantic impact cause slow ripening of grapes bringing excellent results on final products with character of Atlantic wines. The soil is composed of clay and quartz sand.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Chardonnay

RED: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot.

Official Quality Label

Location: Retuerta del Bullaque (Province of Ciudad Real), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Pago Florentino

The project of Florentino Arzúaga of Bodegas Arzúaga to create exceptional wine on exceptional terroir of Castilla-La Mancha was declared EW in 2009. Close to village Malagón in Province of Ciudad Real, the farm Finca La Solana of any 58 ha brings stunning results.

Vineyards are between 630 and 720 m.a.s. at the bottom of mountains called Sierra de Malagón. Other important aspect for unique micro-climate are lakes Nava Grande, Mediana and Pequena modifying the temperature during the whole year.

The climate is continental with hot dry summer and cold winter dropping the temperature below zero degrees. Granite soil covering clay and occasional slate subsoil layer has a special minerality reflected in wine.

Authorized Grape Variety

WHITE: Chardonnay (not under V.P.)

RED: Cencibel/Tempranillo, Syrah, Petit Verdot.

Official Quality Label

Location: Malagón (Province of Ciudad Real), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Pago Casa del Blanco

This huge winery with a history over 160 year old was granted to became EW in 2010. Located within municipality of Manzanares in Province of Ciudad Real, the farm has any 2200 ha of which 650 ha is dedicated to crop cultivation and 150 ha are vineyards.

Flat terrain has altitude of 700 m.a.s. and the rainfall index is 300-400 liters per a year. With 2800 hour of sunshine, the area is destined to be excellent background for wine-making.

The climate is continental showing typical extreme differences between hot summer an cold winter. The flat ground has a sandy-limestone texture. This volcanic soil is higher in mineral content especially lithium and cations.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Airén, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Moscatel de Grano Menudo.

RED: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Garnacha.

Official Quality Label

Location: Manzanares (Province of Ciudad Real), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Pago Guijoso

Smaller Estate Winery Guijoso was established in 2005 next to Natural Park Lagunas de Ruidera in Province of Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha. 100 ha of vineyards are located on altitude.

Winery lies on 1100 m.a.s. with average rainfall index of 470 mm per a year. Although very windy there is over 2800 hours of sunshine per year.

Extreme dry continental climate brings huge differences of temperature between summer and winter, but even – due to altitude and strong wind between day and night. The soil is sandy with pebbles over clay layer.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino.

RED: Tempranillo, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Petit Verdot, Garnacha Tintorera.

Official Quality Label

Location: El Bonillo, (Province of Albacete), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Pago Finca Élez

The farm Finca Élez in Province of Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha was declared Estate Winery in 2002. Located next to an exceptional juniper forest of Albacete has 38.9 ha producing high-altitude wines.

The average altitude of this high plain is 1080 m.a.s., with rainfall index around 400 mm per year and over 2800 hours of sunshine.

The climate is fully continental with extremely dry summer, cold winter and sharp differences of temperature day-night. These conditions cause exceptional micro-climate perfect for slow ripening and following wine making. The stony clay limestone soil is well drained and has high potassium content.

Authorized Grape Variety

WHITE: Chardonnay. Viognier.

RED: Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah.

Official Quality Label

Location: El Bonillo (Province of Albacete), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Pago del Vicario

Young Estate Winery established in 2019 is located any 10 KM far from city of Ciudad Real in the province of the same name. 130 ha of vineyards are along the river Guadiana – main factor of local micro-climate. Pago del Vicario is a huge complex with restaurant and accommodation for lovers of Enotourism.

The average altitude is 600 m.a.s. with annual precipitation of 290 liters. In total there is over 2700 hours of sunshine during the year.

Exceptional micro-climate caused by river brings suave temperatures with huge differences day-night. Calcareous soil of undulated terrain has a light texture and is well-drained.

Authorized Grape Varieties

WHITE: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.

RED: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano.

Official Quality Label

Location: Porzuna (Province of Ciudad Real), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Pago los Cerrillos

Old winery dating 19th century was refurbished in 2000 being equipped by innovative technologies for modern wine-making. 40 ha of vineyards located on upper part of river Guadiana were declared to be Estate Winery in 2019.

The altitude of area is 695 m.a.s. with average rainfall index of 220 mm per year. The area gets in total over 2500 hours of sunshine.

The climate is qualified as Mediterranean with aspects of continental one. Hot summer with colder winter modified by proximity of Penarroya Reservoir and the river. Limestone top soil covers marl and clay layers.

Authorized Grape Variety

WHITE:

RED: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot.

Official Quality Label

Location: Argamasilla e Alba (Province of Ciudad Real), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Pago de La Jaraba

Enormous complex of wide agricultural production where olives and grapes are cultivated together with production of local cheese Manchego. The Estate Winery with its 77 ha of vineyards was declared in 2019. The unique wine production brings extra miles with organic sustainable methods while only using the natural fertilizers.

The altitude of surface is 700 m.a.s. with annual rainfall index of 450 litres.

Mediterranean climate with some continental characteristics is modified by large pine forest and hot and dry wind from Levant both supporting a special micro-climate important for uniqueness of wines. The reddish sandy loam soil has a stony texture and significant minerality.

Authorized Grape Variety

WHITE: Sauvignon Blanc.

RED: Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano.

Official Quality Label

Location: Villarobledo (Province of Albacete), MAP, Web Site.

V.P. Pago de Vallegarcía

Estate Winery established in 2019 lies in the hearth of mountains Montes de Toledo, above the village Retuerta de Bullaque in Castilla-La Mancha. 50 ha of vineyards produce high-altitude wines. Apart they are pioneers of Viognier variety introducing this grape in Spain in 1999.

Their vineyards are on altitude of 835 m.a.s. with average rainfall index 622 liters.

Typical continental climate brings hot dry summer with cold and humid winter. The sandy clay soil layer is poor in organics and covers clay layer.

Authorized Grape Variety

WHITE: Viognier.

RED: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot,Cabernet Franc, Garnacha, Carinena, Monastrell.

Official Quality Label

Location: Retuerta de Bullaque (Province of Ciudad Real), MAP, Web Site.